140Driving and operatingCaution
It is not advisable to drive with thehand resting on the selector lever.
Fuel economy mode 3 122.
Drive systems
All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive is an active-on-
demand system that engages
automatically, with no action required
by the driver. Depending on the
driving environment, the vehicle
switches between two-wheel drive
and four-wheel drive, to give the vehicle more traction and stability
when necessary.
If the front wheels begin to slip, the
rear wheels will automatically begin to drive the vehicle as required. More
torque is transferred to the wheels
that have the most traction, so the
vehicle has optimum grip at all times. There may be a slight engagement
noise during hard use.
As well as enabling the vehicle to be
driven off-road, this system also
enables the vehicle to be driven on
normal roads without incurring
excessive tyre and drivetrain wear or
causing poor control.Ensure tyres (including the spare) are
inflated to the correct pressure
3 212 and are suitable for the
prevailing road conditions. For
optimum system performance, the
vehicle's tyres should not have
varying degrees of wear.
If control indicator B flashes in the
instrument cluster during driving, All-
wheel drive is temporarily disabled. If B flashes continuously, there is a fault
in the system; seek the assistance of
a workshop.
All-wheel drive control indicator B
3 86.
On-road driving
The increased traction of All-wheel
drive vehicles offers greater driving
control in adverse road conditions,
particularly heavy snow and ice.
However, All-wheel drive vehicles are not "skid-proof" and do not decrease
stopping distances.
All-wheel drive vehicles have a higher
centre of gravity than conventional vehicles. Always approach curves at
an appropriate driving speed. Do not
attempt to go as fast through turns as
142Driving and operatingEnsure the radiator core and the areabetween the radiator and intercooler/
oil cooler (where installed) is cleaned, to maintain proper cooling air flow.Check the radiator and cooler cores
for blockage (sand, silt etc.).
Check the tyre treads.
Clean and check the mechanical
parts of the vehicle, particularly the
following areas:
● Driveshafts, including sealing bellows
● Front brake calipers, pads and discs
● Front suspension
● Clutch fork sealing bellows
● Rear brake calipers, pads and discs
● Rear suspension
● Fuel tank and underguard
● Breathers, axles and fuel tank
● Load sensing valve
● Transfer box and underguard
● Engine oil pan and underguardObserve the following: ● Do not spray high-pressure water
directly at the vehicle seals
● The wheels must be removed to clean all mud and stones from the
brake calipers and to check
brake pad wear
● The areas on the upper side of the underguards must be clearedof stones, to prevent damage to
the engine oil pan and the fuel
tankBrakes
The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when the brake pedal
is depressed firmly. Considerably
more force is needed for this. The
braking distance is extended. Seek
the assistance of a workshop before
continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has
been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 85.
Antilock brake system
Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.
Driving and operating145Ride control systems
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip. It also
prevents the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to
swerve (understeer/oversteer),
engine output is reduced and the wheels are braked individually. This
considerably improves the driving stability of the vehicle on slippery road
surfaces.
ESC is operational as soon as control indicators b and t extinguish in the
instrument cluster after switching on
the ignition.
When ESC is active b flashes 3 87.9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Deactivation
With ESC active, if wheels are
slipping on wet, snowy or icy roads,
engine speed may not increase when
accelerator pedal is depressed. The
vehicle may not move.
Switch off ESC function, to allow
engine rpm to increase, by pressing
t briefly. Control indicator t
illuminates in the instrument cluster.
ESC is reactivated by pressing t
again. The control indicator
extinguishes.
Control indicator t 3 87.
Hydraulic brake assist When the ESC function comes intoaction and recognises any
emergency situation requiring hard
braking, it automatically delivers
increased braking pressure to the
wheels.
Active rollover protection
If the vehicle moves in an unstable
manner, this function helps the
vehicle maintain normal stability.
Driving and operating153Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 212.
Trailer towing Trailer loadsThe permissible trailer loads are
vehicle-dependent and engine-
dependent maximum values which
must not be exceeded. The actual
trailer load is the difference between
the actual gross weight of the trailer
and the actual coupling socket load
with the trailer coupled.
When the trailer load is being
checked, therefore, only the trailer
wheels - and not the jockey wheel -
must be standing on the weighing
apparatus.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12%.
The permitted trailer load applies up
to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the airbecoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10%
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8%, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is specified on the identification plate3 205.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (80 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum load,
especially in the case of heavy
trailers. The vertical coupling load
should never fall below 25 kg.When measuring the vertical coupling
load, ensure the drawbar of the
loaded trailer is at the same height as it will be when the trailer is coupled
with the towing vehicle loaded. This is
particularly important for trailers with
tandem axle.
Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle is fully loaded
(including all occupants), the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) must not be exceeded.
National regulations regarding
maximum speeds for vehicles towing a trailer must be observed.
Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.
156Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................157
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 157
Vehicle storage ........................157
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....158
Vehicle checks ........................... 158
Performing work ......................158
Bonnet ..................................... 158
Engine oil ................................. 159
Engine coolant ......................... 160
Power steering fluid .................161
Washer fluid ............................ 161
Brakes ..................................... 161
Brake fluid ............................... 162
Clutch fluid ............................... 162
Vehicle battery ......................... 162
Diesel fuel filter ........................164
Diesel fuel system bleeding .....165
Wiper blade replacement ........165
Bulb replacement .......................165
Headlights ............................... 165
Halogen headlights ..................166
Xenon headlights .....................167
Fog lights ................................. 168
Tail lights ................................. 169Side turn signal lights ..............170
Centre high-mounted brake light ......................................... 170
Number plate light ...................170
Interior lights ............................ 170
Instrument panel illumination ...171
Electrical system ........................171
Fuses ....................................... 171
Engine compartment fuse box . 173
Instrument panel fuse box .......176
Vehicle tools .............................. 179
Tools ........................................ 179
Wheels and tyres .......................181
Winter tyres ............................. 181
Tyre designations ....................181
Tyre pressure .......................... 182
Tyre pressure monitoring system .................................... 183
Tread depth ............................. 186
Changing tyre and wheel size . 186
Wheel covers ........................... 187
Tyre chains .............................. 187
Tyre repair kit .......................... 187
Wheel changing .......................190
Spare wheel ............................ 193
Jump starting ............................. 194
Towing ....................................... 196
Towing the vehicle ...................196
Towing another vehicle ...........197Appearance care .......................198
Exterior care ............................ 198
Interior care ............................. 200
Vehicle care157General Information
Accessories and vehicle modifications
We recommend the use of genuine
parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the
electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
● Wash and wax the vehicle.
● Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
● Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
● Change the engine oil.
● Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the coolant antifreeze and
corrosion protection.
● Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
● Park the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or
reverse gear or move selector
lever to P. Prevent the vehicle
from rolling.
● Do not apply the electrical parking brake.● Open the bonnet, close all doorsand lock the vehicle.
● Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Beware that all systems
are not functional, e.g. anti-theft
alarm system.
Putting back into operation
When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
● Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Activate the electronics
of the power windows.
● Check tyre pressure.
● Fill up the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the engine oil level.
● Check the coolant level.
● Fit the number plate if necessary.
182Vehicle careThe maximum speed is achievable atkerb weight with driver (75 kg) plus
125 kg payload. Optional equipment
could reduce the maximum speed of
the vehicle.
Performance 3 208.
Tyre pressure
Check the pressure of cold tyres at least every 14 days and before any
long journey. Do not forget the spare
wheel. This also applies to vehicles
with tyre pressure monitoring system.
Use the valve cap key to make
unscrewing the valve caps easier.
The valve cap key is located on the
inside of the tank flap.
Tyre pressure 3 212.
The tyre pressure data refers to cold
tyres. It applies to summer and winter tyres.
Always inflate the spare tyre to the
pressure specified for full load.
The ECO tyre pressure serves to
achieve the smallest amount of fuel
consumption possible.Incorrect tyre pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and
fuel economy and will increase tyre
wear.
Tyre pressures differ depending on
various options. For the correct tyre
pressure value, follow the procedure
below:
1. Identify the engine identifier code.
Engine data 3 207.
2. Identify the respective tyre.
The tyre pressure tables show all
possible tyre combinations 3 212.
For the tyres approved for your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of
Conformity provided with your vehicle
or other national registration
documents.
The driver is responsible for correct
adjustment of tyre pressure.9 Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can
result in considerable tyre warm-
up and internal damage, leading to tread separation and even to tyre
blow-out at high speeds.
9 Warning
For specific tyres the
recommended tyre pressure as
shown in the tyre pressure table may exceed the maximum tyre
pressure as indicated on the tyre.
Never exceed the maximum tyre
pressure as indicated on the tyre.
If the tyre pressure must be reduced
or increased on a vehicle with tyre
pressure monitoring system, switch
off ignition.
Temperature dependency
The tyre pressure depends on the
temperature of the tyre. During
driving, tyre temperature and
pressure increase. Tyre pressure
values provided on the tyre
information label and tyre pressure
chart are valid for cold tyres, which means at 20 °C.
The pressure increases by nearly
10 kPa for a 10 °C temperature
increase. This must be considered
when warm tyres are checked.
Vehicle care183The tyre pressure value displayed in
the Info-Display shows the real tyre
pressure. A cooled down tyre will
show a decreased value, which does
not indicate an air leak.
Tyre pressure monitoring system
The tyre pressure monitoring system
checks the pressure of all four wheels
once per minute when vehicle speed
exceeds a certain limit.Caution
Tyre pressure monitoring system
warns only about low tyre pressure
condition and does not replace
regular tyre maintenance by the
driver.
All wheels must be equipped with pressure sensors and the tyres must
have the prescribed pressure. If
wheels without sensors are mounted,
the tyre pressure monitoring system
is not operational.
Note
In countries where the tyre pressure monitoring system is legally
required, the use of wheels without
pressure sensors will invalidate the
vehicle type approval.
The tyre pressure sensors monitor
the air pressure in the tyres and
transmit tyre pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tyre, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the recommended inflation
pressure 3 212.
Low tyre pressure conditionA detected low tyre pressure
condition is indicated by control
indicator w 3 88.
If w illuminates, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tyres as
recommended 3 212.
When the system detects a
malfunction, w will flash for approx.
one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When w is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tyre pressure as intended.
If w illuminates at lower temperatures
and extinguishes after driving, this
could be an indicator for approaching
a low tyre pressure condition. Check
tyre pressure.